@politeperson - thanks for clarifying that Ivy’s can’t start pre-reads until July 1st - I forgot that important fact.
For the one Ivy that told my child no unofficial (originally, we were in the area in February) that he was now shifting all unofficials to after pre-reads/July 1st. He said unofficials were taking too much time and even though my child’s grades and ACT were in the school’s top 25% range and he “saw no flags” he was waiting to meet anyone. He continues to communicate on a regular basis. At this point, just seems wise to wait to see if my child gets an official/paid visit. Not naming the school, as guessing it varies by sport and don’t want to provide inaccurate info 
Two of the school that have been very active with their communication (not Ivy league) said that with the admission’s office so swamped trying to secure the entering class - they were also holding off until after the college Class of 2024 was set.
My child has put it out there with coaches and it is much easier in email verses face to face for a 17 year old to ask about their chances of staying on their coach’s list. I would encourage others to ask - you want a strong relationship with your coach and this is a great way to start seeing if you are a fit.
As noted, a pre-read involves test scores, unofficial transcript and school profile that are delivered to admissions by the coach for a pre application review, often with an athletic ranking or assessment of recruits. Sometimes, the recruit doesn’t even know that the coach has sent the material over. When in doubt, ask the coach to preform a pre-read. The response (one way or the other) may be telling.
The NESCACs (and most DIII schools follow a variation) follow the traffic light analogy: green light, yellow light, red light. Nothing is set in stone, but provided the recruit applies early (and does a credible job on the application) and gets a green light from admissions, things should work out well. There are times when things don’t go as planned, but usually they do. Try to get the coach’s promise of support in writing via email, and be sure to tell the coach that you are committing to the school in response. Also, keep the coach updated on your application; most importantly telling the coach when it has been submitted.
Question for all of you that have been through this process - my child (a crew athlete) just received an email from an assistant coach with the main coach on the cc line asking where my daughter placed their school and program on her list. They are aware of all the schools she is communicating with at this time.
This is a D1, ivy league program and she had an unofficial visit including meeting the team prior to the Covid shutdown. Is this something she (we) should get excited about ? It is her 1st choice school and she included in her reply email all her “whys” for the school, team and surrounding area.
Even though 3 of her schools in her top 8 she has been unable to visit in person - she has this school as her #1 and one she has not visited in the #2 slot based on gathered info - but would need to meet the team and sit in on a class etc and confirm the environment is the right fit. All 8 communicate with her on a regular basis and she has a lot going for her with 34 ACT taken one time in the Fall of jr year, high GPA with rigor and top in her sport with strong Fall season results.
Do we get at all excited - just even a little. I am trying to remain neutral, but that email seemed like a little something - right, wrong, maybe ?
Waiting on the coaches reply to her reply and guessing that may tell us a little more. I hate this entire process and just want it over with - trying to enjoy the ride, but I like control I know it won’t be over until she has a likely letter in hand (if that happens) and then really not offer until we get the ED decision.
I think it’s a great sign and you should get excited! My daughter was recruited for crew last year and coaches who asked that eventually offered spots.
This year my D21 plays a different sport, but also being recruited. When she emailed the coaches after a zoom meeting indicating she could see herself in the program the coaches were very enthusiastic. Until then it was a bunch of kinda playing it safe, not showing your cards kind of emails.
If it’s her number one choice she should tell them.
When is it appropriate (how early in process) to ask a coach these questions? 2023 daughter is in regular communication (emails and phone calls) with two top NESCAC coaches. Both have told her she’s a “top recruit” but as we know from others’ experiences, that is no guarantee. She has very good grades, good rigor from competitive high school, but only a 31 on ACT (taking it again in June). She has another phone call set up with one of these coaches next week. Since it’s only the end of March, is it appropriate to ask these support/slot questions now- such as how many supported slots do you get, do you anticipate offering a slot, what percent of supported slots get accepted ED, etc. Is there a chance that could “turn off” a coach asking them now? I just feel she needs to have realistic expectations and know how much to expand her search, or how wide to cast her net. Thanks!
I would start a new thread so you can get more eyes on your question.
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I agree a new thread will get you more feedback but answering here in case I miss the new thread:
I think it’s fine to get into some of these areas with the first call. For me the goal of the first call is to learn about the program, how that interacts with the academics, and how the recruiting process works. On the latter, that includes a general understanding of how athletic admissions operates, the timeline for that as well as when coaches make decisions. Usually a coach will explain if and how they can support recruits in admissions.
A few follow ups on details are fine but I wouldn’t treat the first conversation like a contract negotiation. Those details can be filled in when things get more serious. I think recruits should be more interested in learning about the program early on but come away understanding process and timeline for recruiting/admissions. For me, what percent of supported applicants are admitted is something to ask later or when an offer is made, or to get at more generally in the first convo (if support is mentioned, “are most of those usually admitted?”).
That’s just my two cents. Others might have different views.
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Thanks, understood. This isn’t her first conversation with this school. Has had multiple emails, phone calls, and visits over the past year. This is another phone call to understand the recruiting process/timeline more. She is very familiar with the program, coaching staff, team, etc. at this point.